What is the treatment for a fractured hip?
Treatment for hip fracture usually involves a combination of surgery, rehabilitation and medication.
How to repair a hip fracture?
Repair options. Repair options. A hip fracture can be repaired with the help of metal screws, plates and rods. In some cases, artificial replacements (prostheses) of parts of the hip joint may be necessary. Treatment for hip fracture usually involves a combination of surgery, rehabilitation and medication.
Where are hip fractures located?
Most hip fractures occur in one of two locations on the long bone that extends from your pelvis to your knee (femur): 1 The femoral neck. This area is situated in the upper portion of your femur, just below the ball part (femoral head) of the ball-and-socket joint. 2 The intertrochanteric region. This region is a little farther down from the hip joint, in the portion of your upper femur that juts outward.
How to fix a broken femur?
The type of surgery you have generally depends on the where and how severe the fracture is, whether the broken bones aren't properly aligned (displaced), and your age and underlying health conditions. The options include: 1 Internal repair using screws. Metal screws are inserted into the bone to hold it together while the fracture heals. Sometimes screws are attached to a metal plate that runs down the femur. 2 Total hip replacement. Your upper femur and the socket in your pelvic bone are replaced with artificial parts (prostheses). Increasingly, studies show total hip replacement to be more cost-effective and associated with better long-term outcomes in otherwise healthy adults who live independently. 3 Partial hip replacement. If the ends of the broken bone are displaced or damaged, your surgeon might remove the head and neck of the femur and install a metal replacement. Partial hip replacement might be recommended for adults who have other health conditions or cognitive impairment or who no longer live independently.
Can an X-ray show a hairline fracture?
An X-ray usually will confirm that you have a fracture and show where the fracture is. If your X-ray doesn't show a fracture but you still have hip pain, your doctor might order an MRI or bone scan to look for a hairline fracture. Most hip fractures occur in one of two locations on the long bone that extends from your pelvis to your knee (femur): ...
What is partial hip replacement?
Partial hip replacement might be recommended for adults who have other health conditions or cognitive impairment or who no longer live independently.
Where is the femoral neck located?
The femoral neck. This area is situated in the upper portion of your femur, just below the ball part (femoral head) of the ball-and-socket joint. The intertrochanteric region. This region is a little farther down from the hip joint, in the portion of your upper femur that juts outward.
Introduction
Hip fractures are common injuries that affect people of all ages and genders. The most common age group for this type of injury is the elderly population. Hip fractures often lead to decreased mobility, reduced quality of life, and eventual death.
What Is Hip Fracture?
A hip fracture is a type of injury that occurs when the ball at the top of the thigh bone (femur) breaks off from the shaft and moves out to one side, usually into or near your groin. When this happens, you may feel a sudden pain in your hip joint, as well as tingling and numbness down your leg.
How Can You Prevent Hip Fracture?
There are several things that you can do to reduce your risk of hip fracture.
Assessment in the Emergency Room
If you go to the hospital with a hip fracture, your doctor will start by examining you. They will want to know if:
Hip Fracture Complications
Hip fracture impacts may lead to complications such as pneumonia or blood clot formation in a deep vein.
Treatment of Hip Fracture
The treatment for a hip fracture can be in two primary forms: non-surgical, which is when an older person is kept in hospital for several weeks where their leg will be immobilized with a cast, or surgical, which involves putting metal plates and screws in the leg to hold the bone in place.
Summary
A hip fracture is a significant injury with severe consequences. It can lead to painful complications, prolonged hospitalization, and an increased risk of death. The nursing diagnosis for this condition includes impaired mobility, Deficient Knowledge, Risk for Decreased Cardiac Output, and Risk for Infection.
What are the risk factors for hip fractures?
Rationale: Risk factors for hip fractures include lack of physical activity; deficiency in calcium or vitamin D; tobacco and alcohol use; and osteoporosis. Arthritis is not considered a risk factor for hip fractures. The nurse is assessing a client's risk for sustaining a hip fracture.
How much calcium should a postmenopausal woman consume?
Answer: D. Rationale: Women who are postmenopausal and not taking estrogen should consume a minimum of 1500 mg of calcium per day to maintain bone health. The 70-year-old woman who only consumes 800 mg of calcium per day is at the highest risk for a hip fracture if she falls.
How to relieve pain from a fracture?
Most pain can be relieved by elevating the involved part, applying ice or cold packs, and administering analgesic agents as prescribed. Pain associated with the underlying condition (e.g., fracture, which is sharp and piercing) is frequently controlled by immobilization.
What is skeletal traction?
Skeletal traction is applied directly to the bone using a wire, pin, or cranial tongs. Internal fixation involves the use of metal screws, plates, rods, nails or pins to stabilize a reduced fracture. The nurse is providing instructions to the client who is being prepared for skeletal traction.
When to use a splint?
A splint would be used when there is special skin treatment or observation that is required. The arm fracture would require the same form of immobilization that a leg fracture does. The length of time the splint can be worn is equal to that of a cast to immobilize the fracture.
What is the role of a nurse in a cast?
The nurse performs actions to facilitate drying of the cast. The cast should be exposed to air. Portable fans can be used to dry the cast. Pressure on the cast should be avoided. The nurse is admitting a client who is to undergo an open reduction with internal fixation for a fractured femur.
What is Buck's traction?
Buck's traction is a type of skin traction that provides pulling on the structures. Skeletal traction is applied directly to the bone using a wire, pin, or cranial tongs. Internal fixation involves the use of metal screws, plates, rods, nails or pins to stabilize a reduced fracture.
What is compartment syndrome pain?
Pain associated with compartment syndrome is relentless and is not controlled by modalities such as elevation, application of ice or cold, and usual dosages of analgesic agents. Severe burning pain over bony prominences, especially the heels, anterior ankles, and elbows, warns of an impending pressure ulcer.
What is the interprofessional approach to care for hip fracture?
An interprofessional team approach to care that uses evidence-based strategies for prevention, early detection, and proactive care to avoid complications are the key to optimal patient outcomes.
How long before surgery can you drink liquid?
Evidence supports the benefits of: Solid food up to 8 hours before surgery. Clear fluids up to 2 to 4 hours before surgery. Clear fluid high-carbohydrate drink 2 to 4 hours before surgery, for example, clear juice.
What is the average age of a hip fracture?
Women experience 80% of hip fractures, and the average age of persons who have a hip fracture is 80 years. Most hip fractures are associated with a fall, although other risk factors include decreased bone mineral density, reduced level of activity, ...
Can you walk with a hip fracture?
Pain may be referred to the distal femur or upper knee. Rarely, a patient may be able to walk with a cane, crutches, or a walker.
Can a fracture be suspected?
In addition, a fracture may be suspected if groin pain is elicited when applying an axial load to the affected extremity. Because of the pain and instability, patients are unable to perform an active straight leg raise. Ecchymosis is rarely present initially.
What happens if you have a fractured hip?
Patients with hip fractures have pain in the groin and are unable to bear weight on the affected extremity . During the physical examination, displaced fractures present with external rotation and abduction, and the leg will appear shortened.
What is nonsurgical intervention?
Nonsurgical interventions are reserved for patients with severe debilitation, unstable patients with major uncorrectable diseases, nonambulatory patients, or patients at the end stages of a terminal illness. 31 However, some patients with impacted stable fractures may be considered for nonsurgical management. 32.
How long should you take antibiotics before surgery?
46, 47 If the patient is allergic, then 1 g of intravenous vancomycin should be administered every 12 hours and started within two hours of surgery. Antibiotics should be provided for 24 hours. 48